Haunted Hellfire Caves
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Recommendation added: 04/02/2006 16:51
By: desirable (YSUK rating +16)desirable has been thanked 5 times for this contribution
"The hellfire caves are said to be haunted (why are they called the hellfire caves? Well that's because there is a church sitting above the caves and so it's known as 'Heaven & Hell') , There are likely to be many people who would have had reason to haunt the Caves, but none so more than Sir Paul Whitehead.
As the steward of the Hellfire Club, Whitehead was devoted to Sir Francis. He asked in his last will and testament that on his death an urn would be placed in a corner of the Dashwood Mausoleum (directly above the Caves) so that his heart may be placed inside and remain with the Dashwoods forever.
This would have been the case - until 1829 - when, sadly, the heart was stolen by an Australian soldier.
It is said that, to this day, Whitehead haunts the caves waiting for his heart to be returned...
Supposedly of ancient origin these unique caves were extended in the 18th. Century by Sir Francis Dashwood, founder of the notorious Hellfire Club. His aim was to provide an extraordinary addition to his landscape gardens whilst providing employment to the villagers following a succession of harvest failures. The achievement is a true feat of engineering and quite remarkable. Long winding passages lead deep underground for over half a mile, through the great Banqueting Hall and past various chambers in which are scenes of famous members of the Hellfire Club such as John Wilkes, Lord Sandwich and Benjamin Franklin. The final destination is the Inner Temple which is reached by crossing the River Styx. According to legend the River Styx separates the real world from the Underworld.
Above ground is a delightful café and visitors can enjoy walking on West Wycombe Hill which is surmounted by the Church of St. Lawrence with its famous Golden Ball.
I wouldn't recommend this for younger children, as it was quite scary for us who are in our mid 20's, also watch out for the sound effects, they trick you a lot of the time of thinking someone has shut the gates in there on you, but there is some good information played for those who want to listen. It's one way in and one way out, once you get to the end you have to walk all they way back through the way you came, so not good for claustrophobics. Also no dogs allowed inside the caves but there is always water outside the café for thirsty dogs.
Months Open:Weekdays (March - Oct) 11 - 5.30
Sat, Sun, Bank Holidays Mon & School Holidays: 11 - 5.30 (or dusk)
Groups/Parties Welcome:
Yes
Discount for Groups:
Yes
Car Parking:
Yes (Ample free parking.)
Admission Price:
Adults: £4
Children: £3
Family (2+3): £12Gift Shop:
Yes
Catering:
Café"
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